Author
C BILELLO, A BRENCICH, M DI PAOLA and E STERPI
Department of Structural and Geotechnical Engineering, University of Palermo
Department of Structural and Geotechnical Engineering, University of Genoa

Abstract
The assessment procedures for masonry structures require some mechanical parameters to be defined for masonry, at least the compressive strength. Several theoretical approaches, based on the characteristics of the constituents, i.e. bricks and mortar, have been developed but their application to existing masonry turns out to be rather difficult. Therefore, experimental approaches give a fundamental contribution to the identification of the mechanical parameters provided that proper calibration allows a reliable estimation of the experimental error. In this paper, the calibration of compressive tests on large diameter cylinders, drilled from brickwork and loaded on the lateral surfaces, is discussed on the bases of both experimental and theoretical issues. This technique is shown to reproduce the brickwork collapse mechanism, giving reliable estimates of the masonry compressive strength.